Delta Lloyd Regatta - Van Schaardenburg dominates Laser class + Video

by Delta Lloyd Regatta on 23 May 2012 Dela Lloyd Regatta 2012 first day in Medemblik ended with Rutger van Schaardenburg dominating in the Laser class. The Dutch sailor won the first two races and ended tenth in the third. The third and last race of the day was won by Van Schaardenburgs fellow-countryman Roelof Bouwmeester.

Both Dutch sailors are trying to qualify for the Olympics in London. Van Schaardenburg leads in the race for a ticket. His result at the World Championship in Boltenhagen (seventh) gives him a big advantage in the battle with his training partner. Bouwmeester arrived with an injury in Medemblik, which makes the races very hard.

His win in the third Laser race of the day gave him some confidence for the rest of the week. 'It was painful today, but the victory in the last race was a big help.'

Van Schaardenburg wasn’t completely satisfied. 'I went for a score of 100 percent. In the third race my start wasn’t well, but with two wins is London getting closer and closer.' Overall he is leading with 12 points, second is Milan Vujasinovic (Cro) 15 and third is Dutchman Nicholas Heiner (19). Bouwmeester is fifth (22).